Utility Pole + Overhead Systems (Sep 11-12)

Joel holds a B.S. in Park Administration from Arkansas Tech University and is a Senior Director of Operations Support at Osmose Utilities Services which inspects approximately six million wood and steel structures annually. Joel has served for over 30 years at Osmose and is currently responsible for recruiting, training and development of the Osmose field operations organization. In 2019, Joel’s team will instruct over 700 students in Foreman Training which includes detailed pole inspection techniques and processes. Prior to his current role, he served in numerous operational positions from Foreman to VP-North American Operations. Joel and his wife Becky have four children and live in Newnan, Georgia.

Matthew Konkler is a Senior Faculty Research Assistant in the Wood Science and Engineering Department at Oregon State University where he co-manages the Utility Pole Research Cooperative and Wood Biodeterioration and Preservation Lab with Mr. Jed Cappellazzi. Matt is originally from Columbus Ohio, holds a B.S. in Environmental Science and a M.S. in Trace Metal Biogeochemistry. For 6-years at OSU, Matt has specialized in Analytical Chemistry and Wood Preservation. Matt enjoys Fishing for fun.

Jed Cappellazzi is a Senior Faculty Research Assistant in the Wood Science and Engineering Department at Oregon State University, where he co-manages the Utility Pole Research Cooperative and Wood Biodeterioration and Preservation Lab with Mr. Matthew Konkler. Jed is originally from New York, N.Y. and has a B.S. in Forest Biology and a dual major M.S. in Soil Science and Forest Ecosystems. For over 5-years at OSU, Jed has specialized in Wood Preservation, Wood Decay, and Fungal Ecology. Jed enjoys Mushroom Hunting for fun.

Jaime Breckenridge is the Utility Joint Use Specialist at Eugene Water & Electric Board. From day one, it was clear to her that joint use is more than code; there is a common goal and that is to provide a service to [the same] people. She makes it a top priority to build relationships with each agency she works with, including local governments, telephone, cable, fiber and more recently wireless companies. Jaime approaches her cross-functional work with collaboration and understanding, which enables utilities across all disciplines to build safe and reliable systems and achieve the shared goal of providing quality service to everyone.

Pat Simons has been with Idaho Power for 20 years. During that time has has worked as a Transmission Design Engineer, a Substations Design Engineer, a Substations Design Leader, and since 2009 a Transmission Maintenance Engineer. Prior to Idaho Power, Pat worked as an ironworker for 20 plus years, receiving his engineering degree from the University of Kansas late in life (at 40 years old), and worked as a project manager on construction projects for 3 years.

Shane Vosberg has been with Asplundh Tree Expert Co. for nine years and with their Corporate Safety Department for six years where he serves as the Corporate Safety Consultant and EHS Specialist for a number of regions in the Western US. Prior to joining Asplundh, he spent 11 years working as a Certified Arborist on the residential side in South Dakota and Colorado, and was also involved in supervisory and safety management roles. Shane has a Bachelor’s Degree in Park Management and a Master’s Degree in Industrial Management with an emphasis in Arboricultural Safety from South Dakota State University. Shane is a Certified Arborist and a Certified Treecare Safety Professional.

Kevin Gowan is the supervisor of electric system asset management for Puget Sound Energy located in the Washington State. He has enjoyed the past 8 years at PSE. He has received his PE in Electrical Engineering. In addition to his present role, Kevin has also worked as a substation field engineer, electric distribution system planning engineer, been majorly involved with storm restoration, managed special projects, implemented a custom Storm Damage Assessment App and interned at a wind energy facility. Kevin has a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University, has received certifications in Electrical Engineering and is in process of getting his masters in Engineering Management. In addition to his enthusiasm for the electric system, Kevin enjoys spending time in the mountains, climbing to the top of things, traveling to other countries (especially those in South America), and a good cup of coffee.

Steve Hess is the Operations/Engineering Manager at Midstate Electric Cooperative (MEC), a Central Oregon electric co-op that serves 19,500 meters and expands into four counties covering 5,600 square miles. Steve manages and oversees the co-op’s electrical system maintenance and operations and is responsible for oversight of power restoration as well as fleet maintenance for all MEC service vehicles. Steve’s career with MEC began in 1979 when he was hired as a Groundman. He advanced through the ranks from Apprentice Lineman, Journeyman Lineman, Foreman and Superintendent to his current position which he has held since 2015. Community activities include Supervisory Committee member of Mid-Oregon Credit Union and making sure equipment and manpower are available for local community festivities including parades, fairs, career days and high voltage electric trailer safety demonstrations. Steve and his wife Tami live in La Pine and have two daughters.

Jeff Morrell is a Professor Emeritus at Oregon State University where he had worked since 1983.Taking a hint from his former Department Head, he recently retired from OSU and moved to become Director of the National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life in Brisbane Australia. He works on issues related to wood deterioration and its prevention. When he is not working on Labor Day, he enjoys running and other outdoor activities.

Grant Leaverton is a senior Manager for Exo. He has worked in the Utility and Energy Infrastructure space for 10 years. His focus has been on the design, fabrication, inspection and remediation of tubular steel towers with T&D and substation applications. Grant also leads the UAV inspection services initiative for Exo. We are excited to hear Grant’s perspective on life extension solutions for transmission assets and how they were applied to SNOPUD’s project.

For more than five years, Lisa has served as the Director of Customer Service for Clark Public Utilities. In her role she nurtures an award-winning, customer-centric culture and leads two contact centers to meet the needs of 194,000 electric and 34,000 water utility customers. Prior to her work with Clark Public Utilities, Lisa spent 25 years with Marriott Hotels, serving in roles related to finance, customer services and executive leadership. Lisa holds an MBA from Washington State University-Vancouver, and a degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Wisconsin – Stout. Outside of work, she tends to a small ranch in the north part of Clark County where she rides her horses and enjoys the country lifestyle.